My second favorite holiday is National Wine Day. Can you guess the first? Let me know in the comments.  National Wine Day is a day to celebrate and appreciate the delicious beverage that is wine. Wine has been around for thousands of years and has a rich history. The origin of the word “wine” is believed to have come from the Proto-Indo-European root *win-o- meaning “wine, vine, or win.” The earliest written evidence of the word dates back to the Mycenaean Greek period in 1600-1100 BC. The word eventually spread to other languages, such as Latin and Old English, and is still used today.

Wine themselves dates back to ancient times, believed to have been first made in the Middle East around 6000 BC. It was also popular in ancient Greece and Rome and was seen as a symbol of culture and sophistication. Throughout the centuries, wine has been associated with religious rituals and has been an important part of many celebrations and events. Wine has been a part of many cultures and traditions around the world for thousands of years. It is a symbol of sophistication and luxury.

There are over 10,000 varieties of grapes used to make wine, with some of the most popular being Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. Lesser known wine grapes include:

• Nero d’Avola: This Italian grape has a full body and robust flavor, with notes of cherries, plums, and black pepper
• Alvarinho: This Portuguese grape is known for its aromatic notes of peach and apricot, as well as its fresh and mineral character
• Malbec: This Argentinean grape has a rich, full-bodied flavor, with notes of blackberry and spices
• Blaufrankisch: This Austrian grape has a tart, cherry flavor, with notes of blueberry and black pepper

Winemaking is an art and a science, with each stage requiring careful attention and expertise. Grapes are harvested and crushed, and then fermented with yeast to produce the wine. The wine is then aged in barrels or bottles to allow for flavor development. Finally, the wine is blended and bottled, ready to be enjoyed.

Different types of wines include:

• Red wine: Made from dark-colored grapes, usually with a robust flavor and high tannin content
• White wine: Made from light-colored grapes, usually with a lighter flavor and lower tannin content
• Rose wine: Made from a combination of red and white grapes, usually with a fruity flavor and light body
• Sparkling wine: Made using a process of fermentation in the bottle, usually with a bubbly texture and high alcohol content
• Dessert wine: Made from grapes that have been left to ripen on the vine longer, usually with a sweet flavor and high sugar content

 

Fun Facts about Wine

• The oldest bottle of wine ever found dates back to 325 AD
• Red wine contains more antioxidants than white wine
• The average American consumes 2.34 gallons of wine per year
• Wine dates back to ancient times, believed to have been first made in the Middle East around 6000 BC
• It was also popular in ancient Greece and Rome, and was seen as a symbol of culture and sophistication
• In the Middle Ages, wine was used for medicinal purposes and was believed to be able to cure a variety of illnesses
• In the 16th century, wine was used as an important part of religious rituals
• In 2020, National Wine Day was named the official holiday of the wine industry

 

Typical Wine and food pairings

• White Wine: Fish, poultry, salads, and cheese
• Red Wine: Beef, lamb, pork, and hard cheeses
• Rose Wine: Vegetarian dishes and light appetizers
• Sparkling Wine: Seafood and light desserts
• Dessert Wine: Rich desserts and chocolates

 

Homemade wine Recipe

Ingredients:

• 7 lbs of grapes
• 2 tsp of yeast
• 2 tsp of sugar
• 2 gallons of water

 

Directions:

1. Crush the grapes in a large bowl and strain the juice into a fermentation vessel.
2. Add the yeast and sugar and stir to combine.
3. Seal the vessel and allow the mixture to ferment for 2-3 weeks.
4. Strain the mixture into a bottle, add the water, and seal the bottle.
5. Allow the mixture to ferment for an additional 4-6 weeks, then enjoy!

To celebrate National Wine Day, why not try a few different wines and learn more about wine and its history? Here are a few fun facts about wine to get you started: The oldest bottle of wine ever found dates back to 325 AD, red wine contains more antioxidants than white wine, and the average American consumes 2.34 gallons of wine per year. So, grab a bottle of wine, read up on its history, and raise a toast to National Wine Day!